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Conrad I. Leslie, REA
Environmental Manager
Summary of experience
Conrad Leslie is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered environmental
assessor (REA) with over 25 years of experience on large environmental and marine
related investigation. He previously served as a Vice President and Regional Manager
of Kleinfelder, Inc., an ENR Magazine “USA Top 100” environmental engineering firm
of over 1,200 employees. He opened and managed four environmental engineering
offices in Latin America and became the youngest professional to become a direct
shareholder / owner of the firm. He served as Senior Environmental Manager for
Golder Associates, an international environmental and geotechnical firm, where he
oversaw projects in Italy and the USA. He also served as Vice President for Gregg
Drilling & Testing performing marine environmental investigation, offshore drilling and
marine CPT testing. Mr. Leslie currently serves as President for Q&S Engineering, an
environmental / oceanographic firm specializing in US Government and projects in Latin
America.
Mr. Leslie has performed environmental work at over 22 US Navy bases, and managed
over 300 projects Latin and South America. His experience includes environmental
compliance, permitting, impact evaluation / mitigation, marine environmental baseline
surveys, environmental site assessments, soil and groundwater remediation, emergency
response, water quality, and ecological & human health risk assessments. His marine
experience includes offshore drilling, bathymetric surveys, sea floor sampling, marine
CPTs, precision navigation (D-GPS), underwater construction, underwater blasting, and
high resolution geophysical surveys. He has served as investigator and expert witness in
high environmental projects.
Among his top environmental achievements, Mr. Leslie worked with federal agencies
and helped change environmental policy with respect to the acceptance of site-specific
human and ecological health risk based Preliminary Remediation Goals (clean up goals)
in Mexico. This saved millions of dollars in clean-up cost. High visibility international
projects include 3 LNG Marine Terminals. Mr. Leslie was responsible for environmental
baseline surveys / impact analysis for the first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) marine
terminal on the west coast of the Americas. He also helped approve the use of
underwater blasting making it possible for the cost effective / timely completion of the
dredging of the LNG terminal entrance channel. This saved hundreds of thousands of
dollars in liquidated damage fees for the prime contractor who was trying to break up the
rock mechanically without success.
4445 Eastgate Mall, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121 (858) 812-2055 www.qsengineering.com
Mr. Leslie also has a strong marine environmental / marine ecology background. He
received a US Coast Guard Unlimited License from a US maritime academy. He has
worked onboard ocean going ships, survey boats, and barges. He also served as
Chairman of an Environmental Committee for a principal US Navy / commercial
shipyard (South West Marine) where he investigated impacts to marine sediments from
shipyard operations (hydro blasting, sand blasting, hazardous materials / waste
management, and painting), implemented a spill prevention plan for the dry-docks, and
managed dredge materials from the shipyard. He has completed Dredge Material
Feasibility Studies and Pre-Dredge Surveys for the US Navy, and evaluated impacts
related to US Navy operation in the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic oceans.
He is currently a Scientific Advisory Board Member for the Association of
Environmental Health and Science (AEHS), Soil, Water, and Sediment Chapter of San
Diego CA.
Publications
“Adjusting United States Methods to Meet the Needs of Environmental Protection in
Mexico,” Air and Waste Management Annual Conference, San Diego, California.
“Site Remediation using Human Health Risk Based Action Levels” (“Remediación de
Sitio Utilizando Niveles de Acción en Base a Riesgo a la Salud Humana”), C. Leslie,
1998 Petroleum and Gas Institute of Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
“The Use of Aquatic Plants in the Treatment of Wastewater,” Jeremiah Jackson and C.
Leslie ; U.S. 12th Annual Environmental Management and Technology Conference.
“Health Risk Based Remediation Goals” (“Niveles de Remediacion en Base a Riesgo a la
Salud”), Scott. Dwyer and Conrad Leslie, Ecological Gazette of Jalisco, Mexico;
Comision Estatal de Ecologia, Año 4, Num. 5.
Guest Speaker
University of California, Extension, San Diego, CA
California Department of California (CALTRANS)
University of Guadalajara, Mexico
University of Mexico City, Mexico
PEMEX (Mexican Oil Company)
Various federal, state, and local environmental agencies
Education
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Professional Certification: Hazardous Materials Management, University of California,
San Diego, 1990-1992
Environmental Science: US Navy Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA, 1992
Bachelor of Science: Marine Industrial Technology, California Maritime
Academy, 1981-1985
Professional Affiliations
Scientific Advisory Board Member, Association of Environmental Health & Science
(AEHS); Soil, Water and Sediments Chapter
American Society of Civil Engineers
Professional Honors
“1999 Multidisciplinary Excellence Award” Kleinfelder, Inc.
“2008 Calmentor Outstanding Performance Award, California Department of
Transportation (CALTRANS) District 11.
Professional Certification
Registered Environmental Assessor, EPA CA, 1996
Post Graduate Courses
Risk Management, 30 hours
Environmental Emergency Planning, 30 hours
Environmental Toxicology, 30 hours
Industrial Hygiene, 30 hours
Hazardous Waste Management, 30 hours
Air Pollution and Toxic Contamination, 30 hours
Environmental Laws and Regulations, 30 hours
Remediation of Elimination of Hazardous Waste, 30 hours
Hazardous Materials Management, 30 hours
Scientific Equipment Used
PIDs
FIDs
Explosimeters
Dissolved oxygen meters
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Data recorders
Flow meters
Drageer tube samplers
Magnetometers
Project Experience
A select list of Mr. Leslie’s project experience includes:
CERCLA-Related Action, US Navy and Marine Corps Facilities, Southern
California. Deputy Program Manager for Kleinfelder under CLEAN II . Coordinated
staff assigned to over 100 contract task orders (CTOs) conducting RI/FS and hazardous
waste treatability studies at numerous military facilities. Contract capacity was nine
years and of $35 million.
Risked Based Soil Remediation, Confidential Client, Railroad
Responded to train derailment, contained coal-tar spill, evaluated the site, and later
remediated the site. Collected and analyzed soil samples in order to assess the impact of
a spill caused by a train derailment. A risk based preliminary remediation goal (PRG)
was developed for the site based on the toxicity of a specific selected contaminant
representative from a hazardous perspective of the spilled compound. Selected PAHs
(benzo pyrene) for its potential toxicity. Collected bibliographical data regarding native
species that could have been exposed to the contaminant. Used PRG recommended in
ecological risk assessment and confirmatory sampling to demonstrate to the authorities
that the site did not represent a significant ecological risk nor needed further remediation.
Monitoring Well Installation, Development, Soil and Groundwater Sampling, US
Naval Station San Diego, CA, IR Site 7 and Site 2. Project coordinator and field sampler overseeing the installation and development of 40
groundwater monitoring wells at Installation Restoration (IR) Site 7 and 2. Collected
groundwater samples that were tested for VOCs (8260B), SVOCs (8270C), TPH diesel
(8015M), TPH gasoline (8015M), TAL metals (6020), Hexavalent Cr (7196), Organotins
(GC / FPD), Dioxin and Dibenzofuran (8290), Gross Alpha, Beta (9310), Gamma
Spectroscopy (901.1), TLC Pesticides and Aroclors (8081A / 8082), Organophosphorous
Pesticides (8141A), and Chlorinated Herbicides (8151A). A dedicated bladder pump was
used for sampling. Prior to sampling Mr. Leslie developed, gauged for depth, and purged
each well. Temperature, pH, conductivity, and turbidity readings were recorded.
Sediment Sampling and Contaminated Sediment Disposal Feasibility Study, Naval
Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme Facility, Ventura, CA
Mr. Leslie prepared the health and safety plan, work plan, provided precision navigation
(D-GPS), collected 45 sediment core samples, and prepared a dredge materials disposal
report. The samplers were analyzed for aquatic toxicity (acute toxicity / bio
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accumulation), physical, and chemical parameters. The laboratory results from the
chemical sediment samples analyzed were screened against the following quality
guidelines: EPA Region 9 PRGs, National Standards and Trends (NS&T), SQGs, NOAA
SQUIRTs, Effects-Range-Low (ERL), Effects Range Medium (ERM), Apparent Effects
Threshold (AET), Threshold Effects Level (TELs), Probable Effects Levels (PELs),
Dredge Material Evaluation Framework Lower Columbia River Management Area 1998
(DMEF); Screening Levels (SL), Bio accumulation Triggers (BT), Maximum Levels
(MLs), Screening concentrations per 22 CCR, Section 66699, Persistent and Bio-
accumulative Toxic Substances, Soluble Threshold Limit Concentration (STLC), and
Total Threshold Limit Concentration (TTLP, Screening concentrations as per Title 40 of
the Code of Federal Regulations Section 261.4, Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure
Levels (TCLP). Mr. Leslie used the Green Book, Inland Testing Manual, and various
sediment quality guidelines to screen sediment concentrations and develop select /
preferred disposal options and cost estimates. The select disposal options include:
upland disposal; confined disposal facility (CDF); confined aquatic disposal (CAD);
cement stabilization / permanent storage at NBVC; temporary storage at NBVC
/subsequent disposal at Port of Long Beach (POLB) as fill; and unconfined ocean
disposal at Port Hueneme Ocean Disposal Site (LA-1). Mr. Leslie then performed a pre-
dredge survey in order to develop a dredge material volume. The survey included side
shots underneath wharfs using slant angle fathometer of estimate dredge material volume
underneath the wharfs.
Groundwater Sampling, US Marine Corps El Toro (MCAS El Toro) CA
Installation of dedicated sampling pumps, micro purging of MWs, collection of GW
samples from approximately 35 monitoring wells located at MCAS El Toro, CA.
Groundwater Monitoring Well Abandonment, MCAS Tustin
Project manager in abandonment of approximately 14 groundwater monitoring wells
from MCAS Tustin
Storm Water and Spill Prevention Plans, Amphibious Naval Base, Coronado,
California
Participation in the preparation and review of a Storm Water Management Plan and Spill
Prevention Plan for the US Navy. The plan addressed storm water discharges from 26
Naval Departments in Coronado, CA.
Soil, Water, and Sediment Sampling, US Naval Command Control and Ocean
Surveillance Center (NCCOSC) Morris Dam, IR Site 2, Azusa, CA
Performed drilling using hand powered auger and collect soils samples at various
locations of IR Site 2. Use small vessels to collect water samples from the reservoir at
various locations at 5 foot intervals in depth. Used Viborcore barge to perform sediment
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coring and sampling at 9 locations. Completed chain of custody and prepared samples
for shipping.
Preparation of Hazardous Material Management Plans; Oil, Hazardous Substances,
and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan, Naval Medical
Center, SD Performed reconnaissance and completed a plans as per the applicable San Diego County
requirement for each activity the exceeded the regulatory threshold. The standalone
plans were accumulated into a single source document (Integrated Contingency Plan)
designed to meet the regulatory requirements of the US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan. The plan also
addresses the emergency planning, notification, and response actions directed by the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Emergency Planning and
Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA). The plan was consistent with the National Contingency Plan
(NCP), the San Diego Area Contingency Plan (ACP) and complies with the Oil Pollution
Act of 1990 (OPA 90). Subcontractor to CDM Federal.
Proposed Plan for Operable Unity 5, Alameda Point, Alameda, CA
A Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) for groundwater was completed on
former Naval Air Station Alameda (now Alameda Point) Site 25 and Alameda Annex
Installation Restoration Site 02. The RI/FS describes the results of prior environmental
investigations, the cleanup alternatives evaluated for the contaminated groundwater, and
the Navy’s proposed preferred remedial action alternative to remediate OU-5
groundwater. The Proposed Plan is a brief, generally non-technical summary of the site
and the remedial action proposal. The proposed plan provided a summary of the RI/FS
and presented supporting information for the Navy’s proposed preferred remedial action
alternative for the impacted groundwater. Q&S worked with the Alameda Point BRAC
Cleanup Team, made up of representatives from the Navy, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA), California Environmental Protection Agency Department
of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), and the California Regional Water Quality Control
Board (RWQCB).
Other Environmental Liabilities (OEL) Project, Southwest Naval Division,
California and Nevada
Perform environmental compliance for the Navy’s Southwest region at various
installations in CA and NV including: North Island, China Lake, Point Loma (SPAWAR
and Sub-Base), Corona, Pt Magu, Concord, Fallon, Lemoore, Hawthorne, Ventura, and
32nd
street. The project required detailed assessment of Navy-owned equipment that may
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possess an inherent environmental liability and/or associated contingent environmental
hazard. Field data was analyzed and cost estimates were created to develop a budget for
the Navy to predict potential closure costs and to develop a baseline inventory of
equipment. Subsequently provided hazardous materials specialist, environmental
geologist, and environmental specialist to assist in report preparation.
Groundwater monitoring and MW inspections, Various California Landfills
Performed quarterly and yearly groundwater monitoring at Sycamore, Borrego, Otay, and
Ramona landfills. Inspected and gauged wells. Collected groundwater samples using
designated pumps and hand bailers.
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Study,
Munitions Range, MCAS Yuma, Yuma Arizona
Project manager and field investigator evaluating point source discharges into navigable
waters of the United States. Performed site reconnaissance, prepared topographical
information, and interviewed site personal to determine potential discharges.
Suitability to Transfer, Former Mare Island US Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA
PM searching land grants for California in an attempt to identify the current fee title
owner of the parcel referred to as the Northern Sliver at the Former Mare Island Naval
Shipyard in Vallejo, CA.
Environmental Investigation, City of Merced, CA
Project manager on environmental soil and groundwater investigation related to a large,
multi-source PCE plume impacting municipal drinking water. Duties included reviewing
and providing advice of existing soil investigation reports and laboratory data, assessment
of potential sources, and the critique of opponents’ reports
AST Removal and Installation: US Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA
Project manager on above ground storage tank removal project. Q&S was subcontracted
to provide technical project review in AST installation project at Naval Amphibious
Base, Coronado. Duties included review of draft documents, site visits, and review of
final documents
Site Remediation, Railroad Repair and Fueling Facility, Confidential Client
4445 Eastgate Mall, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121 (858) 812-2055 www.qsengineering.com
Used ex-situ and in-situ remediation technologies to remediate soil and groundwater.
The ex-situ system consisted of 5 bio-cells of approximately 800 cubic yards each. The
in-situ system consisted of approximately sixty CO2 extraction-ventilation wells and
thirty-five air sparging wells. Supervised drilling of remediation wells, installation, and
operation of the system. CO2 data collected from the extraction blower exhaust was used
to estimate advances. Performed confirmatory sampling every six-month in order to
evaluate advances. Interacted with environmental authorities in behalf of the client and
negotiated soil and groundwater clean up levels. Identified other possible responsible
parties (PRPs) that may have contributed to contamination. The soil and groundwater
remediation project was among the first mayor and largest federal clean up efforts in
Mexico.
Site Assessments; Railroad Repair and Fueling Facilities
Oversaw six major site assessments in order to estimate the vertical and horizontal extent
of soil and groundwater impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons. The project included
remediation feasibility studies and risk assessments. The preliminary non site specific
remediation goal designated by the authorities for diesel in the soil was less than 1,000
mg/kg. Human health risk assessments identified preliminary site specific remediation
goals (PRGs) protective of human health at different sites that varied from 16,000 mg/kg
to 32,000 mg/kg, representing thousands of dollars of savings to the client.
Site Assessments, International Airports, Various Locations
Over saw 5 site assessments in order to estimate the vertical and horizontal extent of soil
and groundwater impacted by jet fuel at 5 international airports. The project included
remediation feasibility studies and risk assessments. Lime stone formations were
encountered at three of the five sites. Accomplished geophysical surveys in order to help
locate subsurface canals and caverns within the lime stone formations that were
facilitating preferential migration of the contaminant in the subsurface. Based on the
estimated location of the canals and caverns, the soil and groundwater plumes were better
identified.
Remediation Center, Mobil Oil Company
Responsible for developing the concept, design, construction, and operation of an ex-situ
centralized remediation center. The client used the center to deposit contaminated soils
extracted during remodeling and tank pulling operations. Contaminated soil from service
stations was brought into the center and deposited in windrows. Mechanical aerators and
extraction blowers extracted vapors from soils contaminated with gasoline. At the same
time, the aeration system helped maintain aerobic conditions during the bioremediation of
diesel contaminated soils which were segregated from the gasoline contaminated soils.
The center was able to treat over 1,000 cubic meters of soil every 3 to 4 months. Prior to
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establishing the Center, the client paid to remediate each service station separately and in-
situ. The center allowed the client to consolidate its soils in one place. This represented
significant savings to the client (designs, blowers, drilling, PVC, et) as compared to in-
situ remediation at each site location.
Environmental Baseline Assessment / EIR; LNG Marine Terminal, El Paso Gas /
Phillips Petroleum Mr. Leslie served as project manager and senior field investigator on an environmental
baseline assessment and EIR) for a LNG Terminal located approximately 60 miles south
of San Diego. The LNG project was the first of its kind in on the west coast of the
Americas. Mr. Leslie provide fast-track project management and environmental
engineering support as part of an environmental baseline assessment / EIR that included
the construction of three hazardous materials ASTs located along the coast, a one
kilometer long pier, and a marine terminal for the offloading of ships. The proposed
marine facility would discharge approx. 43,000 m³ /hr of cold (7º C colder than ambient)
wastewater with a hypochlorite concentration of 0.05 mg/l. The coastal facility was
located in a protected marine / coastal zone. California gray whales migrated along the
coast adjacent to the project site, and sea urchins were also harvested along the shoreline.
The wastewater plume required detailed modeling and evaluations in order to identify
potential impacts to whale migration and marine benthic organisms. Mr. Leslie collected
discrete water samples from various depths, operated a portable marine laboratory in the
field, and used the data to evaluate various wastewater diffusers that would reduce the
size of the plume. Mr. Leslie performed a noise survey that included three sets of 24-
hour measurements from six locations (72 hours of continues measurements per
locations). Other tasks included: biological surveys, MW installation, and hazardous
materials management. The overall scope included close interaction with the engineering
design firm to obtain project characteristics sufficient to determine environmental
impacts; preparation of project descriptions; site visits and other data collection activities
to characterize existing baseline environmental conditions to the physical, biological, and
social environment; participation in meetings with local, state, and federal regulators; and
preparation of a EIR report (Spanish / English).
The environmental baseline assessment / EIR included the following:
Field Investigations
Collected site specific baseline information
Installation of MWs / groundwater monitoring
Social economic survey
Marine biology
Terrestrial biology
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Noise monitoring
Air monitoring
Soil sampling
Limited geologic hazard assessment
Sea water sampling and insitu / laboratory analysis of the samples
Bibliographical Research
Collected published information in support of field investigation, modeling, and
ecological impact assessment
Modeling:
Used to evaluate environmental impacts
Groundwater modeling
Cold Water Modeling
Residual Chlorine Modeling
Noise Modeling
Ecological Risk Assessment
Used to evaluated effects of potential impacts
Effects of a cold water discharge on Benthic Marine Community
Effects of residual chlorine on Marine Environment
Expert Witness, FNM (Mexican National Railroad), Mexico City
Project manager supporting FNM legal department. Focus of the project involved
reviewing groundwater data from other consultants related to subterranean explosions in
the City of Guadalajara that killed approximately 300 people. Regulatory agency
(PROFEPA) accused FNM of being sole responsible party due to the presence of diesel
in the groundwater. Review of documents revealed potential multiple sources of
groundwater contamination, other possible responsible parties, and methodology errors in
past groundwater modeling data. FNM was subsequently acquitted by PROFEPA.
Environmental Evaluation and Wastewater Treatment, Confidential Client,
Railroad Facility
Consultant in investigations to evaluate pounded wastewater in an industrial site. The
wastewater had been discharged by a third party and had accumulated in a natural
depression of the railroad facility. Evaluated laboratory results from water samples
collected by other consultants. The water samples contained a BOD between 1,000 and
3,000 mg/l which exceeded wastewater discharge parameters at the time of the
investigation. Worked with senior engineers in order to design a wastewater treatment
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system. The wastewater treatment system contained PVC horizontal aerators in the
initial treatment stage and used macrophytes to polish the treated effluent.
Site Assessments and Remediation, Gasoline Service Stations, Various Locations
Project Manager in charge of environmental assessments, and soil and groundwater
remediations (vapor extraction, air sparging, in-situ and ex-situ bioremediation, and free
product removal) at gasoline service stations. Over 70% of the service stations were
situated over clays and silts. Thus, conventional remediation technologies had fail in the
past due to the low permeability and poor air conductivity of the soil. Used pneumatic
fracturing to increase permeability and accelerate remediation. After the soils were
fractured, rehabilitated existing fracture points in diesel contaminated sites to continue to
inject air (augmenting aerobic conditions) and macronutrients (accelerating
bioremediation) into the subsurface.
Served as senior consultant for the largest gasoline-distributing consortium in Mexico
City (CODESA). Charged with performing site assessments, regulatory compliance,
emergency response, and site remediations. Also, personally assisted Mexico City
environmental authorities in the development of work plans for service station site
assessments, criteria for the evaluation of remediation performance, and recommendation
of non site specific PRGs for service stations in Mexico.